Lebanese army soldiers stand guard as supporters of Christian politician Michel Aoun chant slogans and hold flags of the Free Patriotic Movement, during a demonstration near the government headquarters in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Lebanese supporters of Aoun later clashed with the troops who were blocking them from reaching the prime ministry where a cabinet session is underway. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
(The Associated Press)

Lebanese army scuffle with supporters of Christian politician Michel Aoun during a demonstration near the government headquarters in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Lebanese supporters of Aoun protested and clashed with troops who blocked them from reaching the prime ministry where a cabinet session is underway. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
(The Associated Press)

A supporter of Christian politician Michel Aoun holds a picture of him, during a demonstration near the government headquarters in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, July 9, 2015. Lebanese supporters of Aoun are protesting and have clashed with troops who blocked them from reaching the prime ministry where a cabinet session is underway. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
(The Associated Press)

BEIRUT – Lebanese supporters of a Christian politician are protesting in downtown Beirut and have clashed with troops who blocked them from reaching the government building where a Cabinet session is underway.

Leader of the Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun called for Thursday's demonstrations following a dispute over security appointments in the government.

Aoun insists that the government should make the appointments a priority while government officials say only regular items would be on the agenda.

Lebanon has been without a president since May 2014 and Aoun has accused Prime Minister Tammam Salam of taking advantage of the presidential vacuum and running the country as if he were president.

Lebanon is the only country in the Arab world where the post of the president is held by a Christian.